Mounting brackets and utility mount

ABSTRACT

A selectively adjustable and lockable utility mount is used to mount a device to a stable structure. The utility mount includes a hydraulic lock that applies the locking force that maintains the locked condition of the utility mount. Mounting brackets for utility mounts have spaced-apart mount elements that engage a surface of a stable structure. Some configurations of mounting bracket include mount elements that are movable between stored conditions and deployed conditions. The stored conditions reduce the size of the device to make it more convenient to pack. A climbing stick uses the storable mount elements.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part application claiming priorityto U.S. patent application Ser. No. 17/168,878 filed 5 Feb. 2021; thedisclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 1. Technical Field

The present disclosure generally relates to mounting brackets andutility mounts for mounting or supporting items. The mounting bracketsinclude spaced-apart, pointed feet that can grip, engage, or dig into astable support surface to help secure the mount at a location. Someconfigurations of the feet are movable between stored and deployedpositions. Exemplary mounts are disclosed in combination with a climbingstick and as receiving a utility mount. The disclosure also provides autility mount configuration that uses a hydraulic lock to supply thelocking force. The utility mount can be used to support a camera, acamera arm, a shooting rest, a shooting rest arm, or other devices thatneed to be mounted to a stable structure.

2. Background Information

Utility mounts for mounting equipment to a stable structure in anoutside hunting location are known in the art. The devices and methodsdisclosed below provide improvements and new configurations to mountingbrackets and utility mounts.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The disclosure provides a selectively adjustable and lockable utilitymount that is used to mount a device to a stable structure. The utilitymount includes a hydraulic lock that applies the locking force thatmaintains the locked condition of the utility mount. Exemplary devicesto be mounted include a camera, a camera arm and camera combination, ashooting rest, or a shooting rest arm and shooting rest combination.Other devices include range finders, night vision gear, binoculars, gearholders, bow rests, or other equipment used when hunting, taking photos,or exploring outside. Exemplary stable structures include tree trunks,tree branches, fence posts, or telephone poles. The utility mount alsocan be used inside and mounted to stable structures in the nature ofpoles, beams, walls, furniture and the like.

The disclosure provides different configurations of mounting bracketswith spaced-apart mount elements that engage a surface of a stablestructure to provide a stable configuration for the mounting brackets.Some configurations of the brackets are secured with straps that wraparound the stable structure. Some configurations of mounting bracketinclude mount elements that are movable between stored conditions anddeployed conditions. The stored conditions reduce the size of the deviceto make it more convenient to pack. Embodiments of the mount elementshave pointed engagement ends to grip the mount surface. The storedconditions cover the pointed engagement ends of the mount elements toprevent or limit damage to other items from the pointed engagement ends.

The disclosure provides a mounting bracket with storable mount elements.

The disclosure provides configurations wherein the mount elements arecurved, pointed, and claw-shaped.

The disclosure provides a mounting bracket that can be slid onto a straploop without requiring the strap to be fed through an opening defined bythe mounting bracket.

The disclosure provides a mounting bracket having storable mountelements that include ratchet teeth that allow the mount elements to bereadily locked in a plurality of positions by a ratchet pawl.

The disclosure provides a mounting bracket in the form of a climbingstick that can be used to climb up onto a structure. The climbing stickincludes upper and lower storable mount elements that pivot out todeployed conditions to bite into the structure to which the stick ismounted.

The disclosure provides a device mount carried between the sidewalls ofthe mounting bracket.

The preceding non-limiting features of the disclosures, as well asothers, are more particularly described below. A more completeunderstanding of the devices and methods can be obtained by reference tothe accompanying drawings, which are not intended to indicate relativesize and dimensions of the assemblies or components thereof. In thosedrawings and the description below, like numeric designations refer tocomponents of like function. Specific terms used in that description areintended to refer only to the particular structure of the embodimentsselected for illustration in the drawings, and are not intended todefine or limit the scope of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a view of a climbing stick with storable mount elements in thestored condition.

FIG. 2 is a view of the climbing stick of FIG. 1 mounted to a tree withthe mount elements in the deployed condition.

FIG. 3 is a view of a first configuration of a utility mount mountingbracket with fixed mount elements.

FIG. 4 is a view of an adjustable utility mount carried by the mountingbracket of FIG. 3 .

FIG. 5 is a view of a second configuration of a utility mount mountingbracket with storable mount elements in the stored condition.

FIG. 6 is a view of the FIG. 5 configuration with the mount elements inthe deployed condition.

FIG. 7 is a view of a third configuration of a utility mount mountingbracket.

FIG. 8 is a view of a third configuration of a utility mount mountingbracket with storable mount elements in the stored condition.

FIG. 9 is a view of the FIG. 8 configuration with the mount elements inthe deployed condition.

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the utility mount.

FIG. 11 is a view depicting a camera and camera arm carried by theutility mount.

FIG. 12 is a view depicting a shooting rest and arm carried by theutility mount.

FIG. 13 is a view of a fifth configuration of a utility mount mountingbracket with storable mount elements in the stored condition.

FIG. 14 is a side view of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 15 is a section view of FIG. 13 .

FIG. 16 is a view of the FIG. 13 configuration with the mount elementsin the deployed condition.

FIG. 17 is a side view of FIG. 16 .

FIG. 18 is a section view of FIG. 16 .

FIG. 19 is a view of the FIG. 13 configuration supporting anarticulating arm from a stable structure.

FIG. 20 shows a camera carried by the arm.

FIG. 21 is a view of the FIG. 13 configuration supporting a shootingrest from a stable structure.

FIG. 22 is a view of the FIG. 13 configuration supporting a differentarticulating arm from a stable structure.

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of an integrated arm and mountsystem wherein the angle between the arm and mount can be adjusted.

FIG. 24 is a rear perspective view of the configuration of FIG. 23 .

FIG. 25 shows the FIG. 23 configuration in a storage condition.

FIG. 26 shows the FIG. 23 configuration mounting a camera arm to astable structure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE

An exemplary configuration of a climbing stick is indicated generally bythe reference numeral 2 in FIGS. 1 and 2 . Climbing stick 2 is aportable climbing device similar to a ladder that provides access toelevated locations. Climbing stick 2 generally includes a climbing stickbody 4 that is elongated and has a first end portion 6, a second endportion 8, a front side, a rear side, and left and right sidewalls. Thelength of first 6 and second 8 end portions can be up to one third ofthe length of climbing stick body 4. Climbing stick body 4 can be asolid member, a rectangular or rounded hollow tube, a C or U channel, oran H beam or an I beam. Body 4 can be made from a metal, a polymer, awood, or other rigid material. Climbing stick body 4 defines a strapopening 10 that receives a mounting strap 12 that passes through body 4and around a stable structure 14 to secure climbing stick 2 in a usefulposition. Strap 12 can includes a clasp or a ratchet that allows theuser to tighten strap 12 around structure 14. Strap opening 10 isdisposed within first end portion 6 or closer to first end portion 6than second end portion 8. Stable structure 14 is typically a tree trunkbut also can be a tree branch, a pole, or another structure the userwishes to climb.

Climbing stick 2 also includes a plurality of steps 20 that alternate onthe different sides of climbing stick body 4. Each step 20 can movebetween a stored condition as shown in FIG. 1 to a deployed condition asshown in FIG. 2 . Each step 20 includes a stop that engages the side ofstick body 4 to position the step substantially perpendicular to stickbody 4. The steps are crenulated for gripping the user's foot. Foldingsteps 20 to the stored condition makes climbing stick 2 smaller inprofile to pack for carrying.

Climbing stick 2 further includes first 30 and second 32 mount elements.First mount element 30 is connected to first end 6 of climbing stickbody 4. First mount element 30 is movable between a stored condition asshown in FIG. 1 and a deployed condition as shown in FIG. 2 . Secondmount element 32 is connected to second end 8 of climbing stick body 4.Second mount element 32 is movable between a stored condition as shownin FIG. 1 and a deployed condition as shown in FIG. 2 . Mount elements30 and 32 are connected with a fastener such as a nut and boltcombination or with a pivot pin. Each mount element 30 and 32 has atleast one pointed engagement end 34 that can bite into a surface such asa tree truck or a telephone pole to secure climbing stick 2 in placethrough cooperation with the strap 12. Each point comes to a tapering orsharpened point suitable for engaging stable surfaces for which stick 2is configured to be used. For example, engagement ends 34 do not have tobe as sharp for soft barks and woods compared to use on an aluminumpole. When in the deployed condition, engagement ends 34 point rearwardwith respect to climbing stick body 4 as shown in FIG. 2 .

In the exemplary configuration, each mount element 30 and 32 includestwo spaced-apart side members 40 connected together with a mountconnector 42. Side members 40 can be curved, claw-shaped members. Eachside member 40 has a pointed engagement end 34 such that each mountelement 30 and 32 has a pair of spaced pointed engagement ends 34. Whenmount elements 30 and 32 are disposed in the stored condition, portionsof climbing stick body 4 are disposed between side members 40 andbetween engagement ends 34 to protect the user and other equipment. Whenin the deployed condition, mount connectors 42 are disposed againstportions of climbing stick body 4 to function as stops to place mountelements 30 and 32 in the correct position for use.

A first configuration of a mounting bracket for a utility mount isindicated generally by the reference numeral 100 in FIGS. 3 and 4 .Mounting bracket 100 is configured to mount a utility mount 102 in astable configuration to a stable structure 14. Mounting bracket 100 issecured to stable structure 14 with strap 12 which may be tightened witha ratchet. Mounting bracket 100 includes a plurality of mount elements104 that have engagement ends 106 that engage stable structure 14 andcan bite into structures such as wood to increase the stability ofmounting bracket 100. Each mount element 104 extends rearwardly frommounting bracket 100. Each engagement end 106 comes to a tapered pointsuitable for engaging stable surfaces for which mounting bracket 100 isconfigured to be used. In the exemplary configuration, the edges ofmount elements 104 define a curved taper like a claw. The point can bein two or three dimensions with the two dimension version (constantthickness) depicted in the drawings.

Mounting bracket 100 generally includes a front wall 110, sidewalls 112,and a mount 114 that defines an opening 116 adapted to receive a portionof utility mount 102. Front wall 110 is solid in the exemplaryconfiguration. Other configurations of front wall 110 include fasteneropenings or openings to reduce the weight of front wall 110. Furtherconfigurations of front wall 110 are made up of a plurality of elementsthat cooperate together to define front wall 110 such as a plurality ofspaced bars or beams or a plurality of overlapping elements. Theseprovide a structure to which utility mount 102 is fastened and fromwhich sidewalls 112 project rearwardly. A projection 118 extendsupwardly from a portion of front wall 110. Two mount elements 104 aredisposed above (and rearwardly of) the top of front wall 110 and twomount elements 104 are disposed below (and rearwardly of) the bottom offront wall 110. Each sidewall 112 has one upper and one lower mountelement 104 disposed in the same reference plane as the sidewall 112. Ina manner similar to front wall 110, each sidewall 112 can be made up ofdifferent elements that project rearwardly from front wall 110 in orderto support mount elements 104. Sidewalls 112 can define openings and donot have to be continuous, flat plates.

Mounting bracket 100 defines strap openings 120 between front wall 110and sidewalls 112. Strap openings 120 are closer to the top of frontwall 110 than its bottom.

Utility mount 102 is connected to mounting bracket 100 in FIG. 4 with aportion of utility mount 102 extending through opening 116. In thisconfiguration, a lock plate 130 extends between a portion of the top ofutility mount 102 and the top of mounting bracket 100. In thisconfiguration, the bottom rear portion of lock plate 130 defines a slot132 (FIG. 8 ) that receives the upper end of front wall 110. Within slot132, lock plate 130 defines a recess that receives projection 118 tolimit lateral movement of utility mount 102. In other configurations,utility mount 102 can be connected to mounting bracket 100 withfasteners (see FIGS. 5-6 for examples).

FIGS. 5-6 depict a second exemplary configuration of a mounting bracketwhich is indicated generally by the reference numeral 200. Mountingbracket 200 shares elements with mounting bracket 100 and the samereference numerals are used to identify these features. In thisconfiguration, front wall 110 defines holes so that utility mount 102can be secured to mounting bracket 200 with fasteners 202 such asmachine screws. When fasteners are used, mounting bracket 200 is notrequired to include mount 114. Connected the two together is desirablewhen the user takes both utility mount 102 and mounting bracket 200 withhim when he leaves a hunting location. To make such transport moreconvenient, mounting bracket 200 includes mount elements 204 that areselectively movable with respect to sidewalls 112 between stored (FIG. 5) and deployed (FIG. 6 ) conditions. When in the stored configuration,engagement ends 206 of mount elements 204 are disposed between sidewalls112 for protection against snagging in the user's pockets or pack. Inaddition, the overall size of the combination is reduced so that itoccupies less space during transport.

Mounting bracket 200 includes four storable mount elements 204 includingtwo upper mount elements and two lower mount elements. Each mountelement 204 is connected to a portion of one of sidewalls 112 with afastener 208 that allows mount element 204 to move between its storedand deployed conditions. When in the deployed condition, all engagementsends 206 point rearwardly with respect to sidewalls 112 as shown in FIG.6 . Each mount element 204 includes a stop 210 that engages an end offront wall 110 to stop rotation of mount element 204 when mount element204 is in the deployed condition. When in the stored conditions, two ofmount elements 204 are rotated in toward front wall 110 until engagementends 206 touch the rear surface of front wall 110. The other two mountelements 204 are rotated on top of those. When stored, all fourengagement ends 206 are disposed between sidewalls 112 to keep them outof the way.

In the deployed condition of FIG. 6 , the two upper mount elements 204are disposed above (and rearwardly of) the top of front wall 110 and thetwo lower mount elements 204 are disposed below (and rearwardly of) thebottom of front wall 110.

A third exemplary configuration of a mounting bracket is indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 300 in FIG. 7 . Mounting bracket 300shares elements with mounting brackets 100 and 200 and the samereference numerals are used to identify these features. In thisconfiguration, sidewalls 112 define slots 302 that allow the user toslide mounting bracket 300 over or off of a mounting strap 12 that isalready installed. This allows the user to install and remove mountingbracket 300 without threading strap 12 through openings 120. Each slot302 has an upper closed end and an open lower end.

A fourth exemplary configuration of a mounting bracket is indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 400 in FIGS. 8-9 . Mounting bracket400 shares elements with mounting brackets 100 and 200 and the samereference numerals are used to identify these features. Mounting bracket400 includes an upper handle 402 that extends between upper mountelements 204 and a lower handle 404 that extends between lower mountelements 204. Handles 402 and 404 allow the user to move two mountelements at the same time and provides a grip for the user when carryingmounting bracket 400. Each handle 402 and 404 is U-shaped and isconnected at stops 210.

A fifth exemplary configuration of a mounting bracket is indicatedgenerally by the reference numeral 450 in FIGS. 13-22 . Mounting bracket450 is configured to mount a device mount in a stable configuration to astable structure 14. Mounting bracket 450 is secured to stable structure14 with strap 12 which may be tightened with a ratchet. Mounting bracket450 includes a two pairs 452 and 454 of storable mount elements thathave engagement ends 206 that engage stable structure 14 and can biteinto structures such as wood to increase the stability of mountingbracket 100. Each engagement end 206 comes to a tapered point suitablefor engaging stable surfaces for which mounting bracket 450 isconfigured to be used. In the exemplary configuration, the edges ofmount elements 452 and 454 define a curved taper like a claw. The pointcan be in two or three dimensions with the two dimension version(constant thickness) depicted in the drawings. To make such transportmore convenient, mounting bracket 450 includes mount elements 452 and454 that are selectively movable with respect to sidewalls 456 betweenstored (FIGS. 13-15 ) and deployed (FIGS. 16-18 ) conditions. When inthe stored configuration, engagement ends 206 of upper mount elements454 are disposed between sidewalls 456 for protection against snaggingin the user's pockets or pack. Engagement ends 206 of lower mountelements 452 engage upper mount elements 454 next to the connection ofupper handle 402 to protect the user. This location can be directlybetween walls 456 or rearward of walls 456.

Mounting bracket 450 includes two upper mount elements 454 and two lowermount elements 452. Each mount element 452 and 454 is connected to aportion of one of sidewalls 456 with a fastener 208 that allows mountelement 452 and 454 to move between its stored and deployed conditions.When in the deployed condition, all engagements ends 206 pointrearwardly with respect to sidewalls 456 as shown in FIG. 16 . Fastener208 can be tightened to hold a mount element in a selected position.Each mount element 452 includes a stop 210 that engages a stop wall 458to stop rotation of mount element 452 when mount element 452 is in thedeployed condition. Stop walls 458 extend from lower portions ofsidewalls 456.

A front wall 460 extends between sidewalls 456 and defines strap slots462 for strap 12. In the exemplary configuration, strap slots 462 arelocated at the junctions of front wall 460 and sidewalls 456. A top wall464 is connected to the top of front wall 460. A device mount 466 iscarried by top wall 464. Device mount 466 extends down between sidewalls456 and can include insert or down post receiver 540.

In the deployed condition of FIG. 16 , the two upper mount elements 454are disposed above (and rearwardly of) top wall 464 and the two lowermount elements 452 are disposed below (and rearwardly of) the bottom offront wall 460. Portions of upper mount elements 454 are disposedbetween top wall 464 and sidewalls 456.

Upper mount elements 454 includes a plurality of ratchet teeth 470 thatare engaged by a ratchet pawl 472 to hold the position of upper mountelements 454 with respect to sidewalls 456. Ratchet pawls 472 andratchet teeth 470 allow the user to level mounting bracket 450 bychanging the position of upper mount elements 454. Ratchet pawls 472 aretied together with a ratchet release lever 474 that allows the user torelease both ratchet pawls 472 at the same time. Ratchet pawls 472 restagainst a biased member or spring member 476 such as a rubber washer.The ratchet allows upper mount elements 454 to be readily closed. Theratchet system can be used on both the upper and lower mount elements.

FIGS. 19-22 depict mounting bracket 450 used to mount a plurality ofitems to a tree trunk that is acting as the stable structure 14. Aratchet strap 12 is used with each of these configurations. FIG. 19depicted arm 520 with its down post slid into device mount 540. In FIG.20 , a smart phone is used as a camera carried at the end of arm 520. InFIG. 21 , a shooting rest is carried by arm 520. In FIG. 22 , arm 520includes a threaded camera mounting screw 480 connected to a texturedknob 482 located between upper and lower walls of arms 520 to allowscrew 480 to be rotated to connect a camera.

An exploded view of exemplary hydraulic utility mount 102 is shown inFIG. 10 . Utility mount 10 is used to hold or mount a device to a stablestructure 14 such as a portion of a tree and maintain the device in adesired position during use. The position of the device being held canbe adjusted by unlocking utility mount 102, adjusting the position ofdevice being held by utility mount 102, and then re-locking utilitymount 102. This configuration of utility mount 102 does not require atool to be locked and unlocked. The user can lock and unlock utilitymount 102 by turning a finger knob 502. Finger knob 502 is connected toa plunger 504 which is threaded to a mount body 506 (or a threadedinsert 508) which allows plunger 504 to move in and out with respect tomount body 506. The inner end of plunger 504 engages hydraulic fluiddisposed in a chamber between the inner end of plunger 504 and the innerend of a piston 510. Moving plunger 504 inwardly by clockwise rotationto an engaged condition pushes the hydraulic fluid against piston 510causing the outer end of piston 510 to push against device mount 512 tolock device mount 512 in place against an inner surface of a cup ring514. Turning finger knob 502 counterclockwise places plunger 504 in adisengaged condition and releases the pressure on the hydraulic fluid sothat the position of device mount 512 can be adjusted.

Adjustable utility mount 102 is used to support items such as anarticulating arm 520 (FIGS. 11 and 12 ), a camera 522, a camera holder(or combination of both), a stick, a shooting rest 524, a motiondetector, or a light. Adjustable utility mount 102 can also be used tosupport camouflage, used directly as a gun rest, used as an equipmentholder, or to support other gear.

Finger knob 502 can be connected to or integral with plunger 504. Fingerknob 502 can be fixed to plunger 504 or removable and replaceable. Inthe exemplary configuration, finger knob 502 allows the user to adjustthe position of plunger 504 without using a tool. In otherconfigurations, finger knob 502 is not used and the outer end of plunger504 is configured to receive a tool such as a screwdriver or a wrenchwhich are used to adjust the position of plunger 504 with respect tomount body 506.

Plunger 504 includes an elongated threaded portion that threadedlyengages mount body 506 directly or threadedly engages a threaded insert508 that is fastened to mount body 506. Insert 508 can be removed andreplaced from mount body 506. Insert 508 allows plunger 504 to bethreaded into the insert 508 from the body-facing side of insert 508.The inner end portion of plunger 504 which defines the plunger sealseats 526 and carries seals 528 is then slid into a plunger cavity thatis defined by mount body 506. Seals 528 carried by plunger 504 engagethe inner surface of mount body 506 that defines the plunger cavity toprevent hydraulic fluid from exiting the fluid chamber of mount body 506past plunger 504.

Mount body 506 can be secured to mounting bracket 100 by inserting itlower portion into opening 116 and using lock plate 130 as describedabove. A lower clamp 530 is used to tighten mount body 506 to mountingbracket 100. Alternatively, mount body 506 can be secured with fasteners202.

A cup ring 514 is removably connected to mount body 506 to allow a ballend 532 of device mount 512 to be positioned between the inner surfaceof cup ring 514 and the forward or outer surface of the front of piston510. Cup ring 514 can be connected with fasteners or with aninterlocking mount configuration such as a bayonet-style connection.When installed as shown in FIG. 4 , the forward or outer surface of ballend 532 engages the inner surface of cup ring 514 and the forward orouter surface of piston 510 engages the rear or inner concave surface ofball end 532. The inner surface of cup ring 514 can be curved tocorrespond to the outer curbed surface of ball end 532. Similarly, theconcave inner surface of ball end 532 can be curved to correspond to thecurved outer surface of piston 510. When plunger 504 to moved inwardlywith respect to mount body 506, the fluid pushes piston 510 against ballend 532 which is then trapped against cup ring 514 to lock the positionof device mount 512. Cup ring 514 defines a large opening that allowsdevice mount 512 to swivel with respect to mount body 506. Device mount512 can rotate 360 degrees. The swivel movement can be combined with therotation to allow the position of device mount 512 to be fullyadjustable.

Device mount 512 is provided in different configurations for differentdevices to be mounted. In the exemplary configuration, device mount 512includes a stem that projects forward from ball head 532 and a cylinderthat is connected at a right angle to the stem. An insert 540 is slidinto the cylinder and can be locked in place with a thumb screw 541.Insert 540 is configured to receive cylindrical mounts 542 (see FIGS. 11and 12 ) from various items. In other configurations, device mount 512can carry a standard threaded camera connector (¼-20 UNC or ⅜-16 UNCthread) so that a camera can be connected directly to device mount 512.In a further configuration, device mount 512 carries an adjustable clampthat engages the sides of a smart phone or tablet computer. Device mount512 can carry a level 544.

Mount body 506 includes inner 550 and outer 552 concentric ringsprojecting forward from the front face of mount body 506. A ring-shapedchannel is defined between rings 550 and 552 to receive the rearportions of ball head 532 when device mount 512 is tilted with respectto mount body 506. Cup ring 514 is mounted to outer ring 552 and canhave the same outer and inner diameters so that the two match.

The inner surface of inner ring 550 can define at least a portion of thecylinder in which the rear end of piston 510 slide and seals. The frontof mount body 506 also can define a portion or all of the cylinder. Therear end of piston 510 defines a seal groove and carries a seal thatengages the surface that defines the cylinder to seal the fluid in themount body 506. The hydraulic fluid is carried by mount body 506 influid communication between piston 510 and plunger 504. Mount body 506includes a sealable fluid port opposite the plunger opening where thefluid can be added or removed as needed.

FIGS. 23-26 depict a system 600 that includes an articulating arm 602and a mounting bracket 604. System 600 can be configured to be in adeployed condition as shown in FIGS. 23-24 and 26 and a storagecondition as shown in FIG. 25 . In this storage condition, the mountelements 606 of mounting bracket 604 do not extend out beyond arm 602 sothat they are safe for transport and packing.

Mounting bracket 604 has a front wall 608 and a pair of sidewalls 610that cooperate to define a strap slot 612. Front wall defines an opening614 that receives camera mount screw 480 when system 600 is in thestorage condition.

Arm 620 can be leveled with a ratchet system. Arms 620 with a pluralityof ratchet teeth 622 are rigidly connected to the inner segment 624 ofarm 602. Ratchet pawls 626 are carried by sidewalls 610 and are movablebetween engaged and disengaged positions. A ratchet pawl release lever628 allows the user to move both ratchet pawls 626 at the same time. Aratchet pawl lock member 630 is movable between locked and unlockedpositions. In the locked position, ratchet pawl lock member 630 preventsratchet pawls 626 from moving.

In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used for brevity,clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary limitations are to beimplied therefrom beyond the requirement of the prior art because suchterms are used for descriptive purposes and are intended to be broadlyconstrued. Moreover, the description and illustration of the inventionis an example and the invention is not limited to the exact detailsshown or described. Modifications and alterations of those embodimentswill be apparent to one who reads and understands this generaldescription. The present disclosure should be construed as including allsuch modifications and alterations insofar as they come within the scopeof the appended claims or equivalents thereof. Throughout thedescription and claims of this specification the words “comprise” and“include” as well as variations of those words, such as “comprises,”“includes,” “comprising,” and “including” are not intended to excludeadditives, components, integers, or steps.

1. A mounting bracket that is used to mount a device to a stablestructure, the mounting bracket comprising: a bracket body having afront wall having an upper end and a lower end; the bracket body havinga first sidewall and a second sidewall; and an upper mount element and alower mount element connected to each sidewall; each mount element beingmovable between a stored condition and a deployed condition; one of theupper and lower mount elements defining a plurality of ratchet teeth; aratchet pawl carried by the bracket body; the ratchet pawl having anengaged position and a disengaged position; in the engaged position, theratchet pawl preventing the mount element from moving in a directionfrom the stored position toward the deployed position.
 2. The mountingbracket of claim 1, wherein at least the lower mount elements havepointed engagement ends.
 3. The mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein atleast the upper mount elements have pointed engagement ends.
 4. Themounting bracket of claim 1, wherein all of the mount elements havepointed engagement ends.
 5. The mounting bracket of claim 4, wherein theengagement ends of the mount elements are disposed between the sidewallswhen the mount elements are in the stored condition.
 6. The mountingbracket of claim 1, wherein the bracket body defines a strap openingbetween each sidewall and the front wall.
 7. The mounting bracket ofclaim 1, wherein each of the sidewalls defines a slot adapted to receivea mounting strap.
 8. The mounting bracket of claim 7, wherein the slothas an upper closed end and an open lower end.
 9. The mounting bracketof claim 1, wherein the upper mount elements are connected by an upperhandle.
 10. The mounting bracket of claim 1, wherein the lower mountelements are connected by a lower handle.
 11. The mounting bracket ofclaim 1, wherein at least one of the mount elements includes a stop thatengages an end of the front wall when the mount element is in thedeployed condition.
 12. The mounting bracket of claim 1, whereinportions of each of the mount elements are disposed between thesidewalls when the mount elements are disposed in the stored condition.13. The mounting bracket of claim 1, further comprising a biased member;the ratchet pawl engaging biased member.
 14. The mounting bracket ofclaim 1, wherein a plurality of positions for the mounting element aredefined by ratchet teeth and ratchet pawl between the stored anddeployed positions.
 15. A utility mount comprising: a first bodyportion; an arm connected to the first body portion; the arm having aplurality of arm sections that pivot with respect to each other; a mountelement that engages a stable support structure; and the mount elementbeing selectively pivotable with respect to the first body portion toallow the angle between the first body portion and the stable supportstructure to be adjusted such that the arm may be leveled.
 16. Theutility mount of claim 15, wherein one arm section can rotate to aposition directly above another of the arm sections.
 17. The utilitymount of claim 16, further comprising a camera carried by arm.
 18. Theutility mount of claim 16, further comprising a shooting rest carried byarm.
 19. The utility mount of claim 15, wherein the mount element ispivotable to a stored condition.
 20. The utility mount of claim 19,wherein the mount element has pointed engagement ends that do notprotrude from the utility mount when the mount element is in the storedcondition.